3 hrs ago
NHRC Orders Action on Delhi University Hostel Shortage After Collapse
The National Human Rights Commission is concerned that many Delhi University students cannot find affordable hostel rooms.
The university has about 72,000 undergraduate students, but its hostel space is limited.
Students from outside Delhi may have to pay for expensive private rooms or paying guest housing.
The issue gained attention after a building used as a boys’ PG collapsed in Satya Niketan.
Seven people died and several others were injured in that collapse.
The commission said Delhi University had not provided enough details about how many rooms are available or how many more are needed.
It asked Delhi officials, the UGC and the university to prepare a clear plan.
The plan must consider building, expanding, renovating and improving hostels, and is due by October 15.
The NHRC directed the Delhi Chief Secretary and UGC Chairman to address inadequate hostel accommodation for Delhi University students.
The action follows concerns raised after a multi-storey building operating as a boys’ PG collapsed in Satya Niketan, killing seven people and injuring several others.
A complaint said DU has around 72,000 undergraduate students but insufficient university and college hostel capacity.
DU acknowledged accommodation difficulties for students from outside Delhi and cited the need for new and improved hostel infrastructure.
The NHRC gave Delhi, UGC and DU four weeks to submit a specific action plan, with October 15 set as the deadline.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission, Delhi government, University Grants Commission and University of Delhi.
- What
- The NHRC directed authorities to prepare an action-oriented plan to increase adequate and affordable hostel accommodation for DU students.
- Where
- University of Delhi and its 65 constituent and affiliated colleges in Delhi; the related building collapse occurred in Satya Niketan, South Delhi.
- When
- The matter was considered on September 30, 2025, and the report deadline was set for October 15.
- Why
- A complaint alleged that DU’s hostel capacity is inadequate for its student population, creating financial and living difficulties for students from outside Delhi.
NHRC’s concerns
Delhi University’s response
Adequacy of hostel capacity
NHRC’s concerns
The NHRC said DU’s response did not clearly assess current hostel capacity, the accommodation shortfall or the additional capacity required.
Delhi University’s response
DU acknowledged that students from outside Delhi face accommodation difficulties and said infrastructure improvement, including additional or new hostels, was needed.
Required action
NHRC’s concerns
The NHRC called for a specific, consolidated and action-oriented plan covering existing and new hostel facilities, college-level requirements, finances and timelines.
Delhi University’s response
DU’s submitted response discussed the need for infrastructure improvement, but the NHRC found that it did not adequately address the complaint’s core concerns.
Key facts
- Institution involved
- National Human Rights Commission
- University enrollment cited
- Around 72,000 undergraduate students
- DU college network
- 65 constituent and affiliated colleges
- Building collapse
- A multi-storey boys’ PG in Satya Niketan collapsed, killing seven people and injuring several others
- Required authorities
- Delhi Chief Secretary, University Grants Commission Chairman and University of Delhi
- Required measures
- Construct, upgrade, expand, renovate and augment hostel facilities
- Report deadline
- October 15, after a direction to submit the report within four weeks
Quotes
Officials
Officials commenting on the NHRC’s intervention and its objectives
“The proceedings, initiated last year in response to concerns regarding inadequate hostel facilities for Delhi University students, have now moved towards a concrete and time-bound institutional response. The Commission's intervention seeks to ensure that access to higher education is not limited merely to securing admission, but is supported by adequate and affordable residential facilities for students as well.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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